TOM ROWLAND PODCAST

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Podcast Summary

I have five survival tips when traveling out of the country. While the main focus of the trip might be getting a good catch out on the water, being concerned and cautious of your health should be a top priority.

Here are my top recommendations:

1. Be Cautious of the Water You Drink

In island locations outside of the United States, most people get sick from drinking contaminated water. This is because as Americans, we are used to clean, filtered water. Natives may be able to drink the water because they are used to the pollutants in it, but as visitors, we are not exposed to to these water habits, and are more likely to get sick.

Solution: bring extra cash and purchase a case of bottled water that you are familiar with. Make sure to wipe off the tops of the bottles to avoid any parasites that may be on the bottle.

2. Steer Clear of the Sun

If visiting an island, be mindful that this location is closer to the equator than probably where you live. As a result, the sun will be much stronger than what you are probably used to and have a bigger exposure to the UV rays. The first day out on the water may be fine at first because you initially might not feel the sun, but once the day is over, the sun exposure will leave you with heat exhaustion, and you may not want to go outside the next day.

Solution: wear long sleeved pants and shirts (check out Huk Gear), Buff over your face and neck, a hat, and a good pair of sunglasses, like Costa Sunglasses. Wear lots of sunscreen, and make sure to pack some zinc oxide and aloe.

3. Watch What You Eat - Foodborne Illnesses

Most islands and out of country locations do not value refrigeration as much as we are used to. At restaurants, locals will usually prepare food outside and will keep the food out all day and maybe all night.

Solution: eat a PB&J, or bring your own food with you.

4. Cold and Flu

You are most likely to catch a cold on the plane trip over to your desired destination. The worst thing to happen is to pay all this money, and end up sneezing and coughing your entire vacation.

Solution: Pack in your bag a ZPack or some cold medications with you in case of sickness. It would also be wise to buy items with electrolytes, such as Gatorade.

5. Injuries

Going on vacation, you’re most likely to purchase new clothing and especially new shoes. With new shoes, be mindful that if your shoes are not already broken in, you are prone to blisters and sore feet.

Solution- wear good fitting, already broken-in shoes and carry antibiotic creams for blisters.

Let me know any questions you’d like me to answer in my podcast!

Tom Rowland